Merchants’ wives, or Kupchikhas as they are known in Russian, are among the artist’s most recognisable subjects. In these works, Kustodiev was looking for a distinctly Russian style using a wealth of rich and vibrant colours. He found inspiration in the merchant classes of provincial towns, vestiges of tradition at a time when Russia was going through dramatic changes.
Kustodiev’s Kupchikhas are represented in many important public collections of Russian art. The present variation on the artist’s favourite theme is one of very few major works that still remain in private hands.
The painting was shown at the historic Russian Art Exhibition in New York’s Grand Central Palace in 1924, organised by Sergei Vinogradov in order to raise money for his fellow artists stricken by the Revolution and civil war. Although Kustodiev did not travel himself to the United States, he contributed 21 works to the exhibition. Also among this number was Portrait of Irina Kustodieva , the artist’s daughter, sold by MacDougall’s in June 2011 for over £1.8 million.
William MacDougall, Director, commented: "We are proud to present another exceptional auction of masterpeaces of Russian Art on December 1st. We are finding many clients who are looking for alternatives for their savings to uncertain finanacial markets, and so are are optimistic for a successful sale."
William MacDougall, Director, commented: "We are proud to present another exceptional auction of masterpeaces of Russian Art on December 1st. We are finding many clients who are looking for alternatives for their savings to uncertain finanacial markets, and so are are optimistic for a successful sale."
Russian Art Auctions
Thursday 1 December 2011
10.30 Russian Art Part I
14:00 Russian Art Part II
17.00 Icons and Works of Art
Kiev Viewing
Museum of Russian Art 11-14 November
London Viewing
14:00-18:00 Friday 25 Nov
14:00-18:00 Saturday 26 Nov
12:00-18:00 Sunday 27 Nov
10:30-18:00 Monday 28 Nov
10:30-18:00 Tuesday 29 Nov
10:30-17:00 Wednesday 30 Nov
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